Disconnect battery before working with electronics

Performance Gain:

Repair faulty comfort access antenna

Complementary Modification:

Replace rear fog light bulbs

Most electrical components on MINI R56 models require programming using an advanced MINI scan tool when replacing. With that said, don't feel you can't replace these items yourself. You also have the option of swapping out used items, which will at times work with programming. I don't have experience with this method, due to my access to a MINI scan tool, but it is something to consider. I have been told programming of used items isn't always required, so this may be an option, but I cannot vouch for it working 100% of the time. If you have experience with used part installation, please share your experience, as it will help the Pelican Parts community. Comfort access antennas do not require programming when replacing. They are plug and play.

MINI R56 models can come equipped with the comfort access feature. Comfort access allows the vehicle to be unlocked once the key is within 5 feet of one of the antennas without using the remote. Once inside the vehicle, the engine can be started without placing the remote key into the key slot.

Comfort Access:

• Convenience when unlocking and locking the vehicle

• Convenient and fast access to the vehicle

• Simple engine start / stop procedure

• No searching for keys

The vehicle can be unlocked and then opened by pressing the button on the outer door handle. With the door closed, pressing the button again can lock the vehicle. The identification transmitter must be located in the vehicle interior in order to start the engine. Pressing the START-STOP button can now start the engine and the vehicle is ready to be driven. Access to the vehicle can be gained from any door or the hatch.

Each entry point has an antenna that monitors a five-foot radius for a remote key. If one of these antennas fails, that access point will not react as expected, locking and unlocking properly. This tech article will cover how to replace the rear hatch antenna and how to test it quickly. If all access points work except for one, assume the antenna for that point is faulty.

Remember that your car may have been serviced before and had parts replaced with different size fasteners used in the replacement. The sizes of the nuts and bolts we give may be different from what you have so be prepared with different size sockets and wrenches.

Protect your eyes, hands and body from fluids, dust and debris while working on your vehicle. If you're working with the electrical system, disconnect the battery before beginning. Always catch fluids in appropriate containers and properly dispose of any fluid waste. Recycle parts, packaging and fluids when possible. Never work on your vehicle if you feel the task is beyond your ability.

Our vehicle may vary slightly from yours as models do change and evolve, as they grow older. If something seems different, let us know and share your info to help other users. Do you have questions or want to add to the article? Leave a comment below. When leaving a comment, please leave your vehicle information.

To test the rear antenna grid, start by disconnecting the electrical connector. Then, connect the test leads of your DVOM across the terminals. Set your DVOM to Ohms. The antenna should have about 4 Ohms of resistance.